Insulating Vintage Camper Ice Chests: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to add insulation to vintage camper ice chest

If you're looking to extend your camping season, you might be considering how to add insulation to your vintage camper ice chest. The ice chest, or icebox, is a beloved feature for its simplicity: put in a block of ice, and you're done. However, the ice in these iceboxes tends to melt faster, and the size of the storage area is diminished by the space taken up by the ice.

There are several ways to improve the insulation of your vintage camper ice chest. Firstly, you can address the windows, which are often the weakest point for insulation. Single-pane windows do not keep the cold out or the heat in. While replacing these windows with double or triple-pane glass is an option, it can be a pricey solution, and these windows may not hold up due to road vibrations. Instead, you can cover the glass with shrink or bubble wrap attached with Velcro or double-sided tape, which will help cut down on drafts.

Additionally, you can insulate the walls of your ice chest by adding polystyrene board, filling the lid with insulation, and adding a reflectix cover. This will enhance ice retention performance. You can also insulate the lid of your ice chest with spray foam or foam board. When choosing a spray foam, opt for a high-quality closed-cell polyurethane spray foam designed for insulation rather than just filling gaps.

Another way to improve insulation is to create an external cooler cover using reflectix or bubble foil. This will provide extra protection from the sun's heat. You can also add a gasket to your ice chest by using foam tape or weatherstripping, creating a near airtight seal that keeps warm air out.

By implementing these simple solutions, you can significantly improve the insulation of your vintage camper ice chest, allowing you to enjoy camping in colder weather.

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Insulate the walls with polystyrene board

Polystyrene is a popular insulation material for exterior walls due to its strong resistance and low thermal conductivity. It is made from polystyrene foam, which is lightweight and rigid, and comes in various sizes. Polystyrene insulation boards are an excellent choice for your vintage camper van as they will help create thermal insulation by reducing heat transmission.

  • Prepare the surface: Ensure the walls are clean, dry, and free of debris. It is important that the substrate is even, clean, and solid. Remove any flaking plaster, grease stains, or mortar pieces. Fill in any cracks with mortar and wash the walls if necessary. Allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding.
  • Measure and cut: Measure the area you want to insulate to determine the size of the polystyrene boards needed. Mark the cutting line on the boards and cut them to size. You can use a knife and a straight edge or a hot wire cutter for this step.
  • Fix the boards: Place the cut polystyrene boards against the wall, ensuring they fit firmly. You can use glue or mechanical fixings such as nails or screws to secure the boards in place.
  • Seal joints and edges: Use suitable glue or tape to seal any holes or joints between the boards. This will prevent air from leaking between the insulation boards. Repeat this step for each board until you have covered the entire desired area.
  • Protect the insulation: Depending on the location of your ice chest within the camper, you may need to cover the insulation boards with drywall or a weather-resistant barrier. This will protect the insulation from damage and ensure its longevity.

By following these steps, you will significantly improve the thermal efficiency of your vintage camper ice chest, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient during your travels.

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Fill the lid with insulation

Filling the lid with insulation is a great way to add extra insulation to your vintage camper ice chest and keep ice longer. When done correctly, it can increase the ice retention capabilities of your cooler by 50-100%. So, in some cases, your cooler could hold ice up to twice as long.

However, if done incorrectly, it can actually decrease the ice retention of your cooler. Using the wrong foam might not insulate your cooler but provide dense material for heat to easily move through, getting into your cooler and melting your ice.

It is important to ensure you are using the right foam for insulation. Much expanding foam is designed to fill gaps and create seals, not to insulate. You want to make sure you get a closed-cell polyurethane insulating foam as these insulate the best.

  • Purchase a high-quality closed-cell polyurethane spray foam like Loctite Big Gaps that is designed for insulation (not just filling gaps).
  • Drill a couple of holes in your cooler lid slightly larger than the spray foam nozzle.
  • Spray the foam into the lid of the cooler and allow it to expand.
  • Leave the foam to cure and dry for 24-48 hours.
  • Break off and scrape away any excess foam.
  • Seal off gaps with silicone or hot glue.

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Make a gasket from foam/weatherstripping

Making a gasket from foam or weatherstripping is a great way to improve the insulation of your vintage camper ice chest. This will create an airtight seal, preventing warm air from entering and cold air from escaping.

To make a gasket, you'll need to purchase foam tape or weatherstripping. Look for weatherstripping with one sticky side, which will make the installation process easier. The foam tape should also come in different thicknesses so you can choose the one that best suits your cooler.

Once you have your chosen material, simply run it along the top edge of your cooler. When you shut the lid, it should press against the foam tape, creating a tight barrier. This will help keep the warm air out and maintain the cold temperature inside.

This is a relatively inexpensive modification that can significantly improve the insulation of your vintage camper ice chest. By adding this gasket, you'll be able to keep your food and drinks colder for longer, making your camping trips more enjoyable and convenient.

If you want to further enhance the insulation of your ice chest, consider combining this gasket with other modifications, such as adding extra insulation to the walls and lid, or creating an external cooler cover using reflective bubble foil or similar materials. These additional steps will further improve the ice retention capabilities of your cooler.

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Insulate with an external cooler cover

An insulated cooler cover is a great way to extend the life of the ice in your vintage camper ice chest. This will allow you to spend more time camping and less time buying ice.

To make an insulated cooler cover, you will need some reflective insulation material, such as Reflectix or bubble foil, which can be purchased at your local hardware store or on Amazon. You will also need a measuring tape, scissors, and some reflective tape or duct tape to attach the cover to your cooler.

The first step is to measure the dimensions of your cooler and cut the insulation material to size. You will need enough material to cover the top and sides of the cooler. It is important to leave enough wiggle room so that the cover can easily slide on and off.

Once you have the correct dimensions, start by covering the sides of the cooler with the insulation material, then create a top piece, and join them together using the reflective tape or duct tape. You can also use foil-backed tape to tape the sections together.

Finally, create a handle at the top or on the sides of the cover for easy removal. And that's it! Your homemade insulated cooler cover is now ready to use.

This type of cover is an effective way to increase the insulation of your cooler and will help keep your food and drinks cold for longer, especially in hot and humid weather. It is a simple and inexpensive solution that can make a big difference in maintaining the temperature of your vintage camper ice chest.

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Add an extra layer of insulation on top of your food

Adding an extra layer of insulation on top of your food is a cheap and easy way to improve the performance of your cooler. This method can increase the ice retention capabilities of your cooler by 50-100%, meaning your ice could last up to twice as long.

To do this, simply get a roll of foam and cut it to size. A cheap yoga mat is one of the easiest ways to create this extra layer. You can also use leftover styrofoam from product packaging, or buy cheap styrofoam board or boxes.

This method is especially useful if you don't want to spend money on adding insulation to an RV, or if you are renting one. It's also a good option if you don't want to completely modify your cooler with thicker walls and spray foam in the lid.

However, it's important to note that not all foams are created equal. Make sure to use a closed-cell polyurethane insulating foam, as these insulate the best. Buying the wrong type of foam may decrease the performance of your cooler.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to insulate a vintage camper ice chest. You can use polystyrene board, spray foam, or foam board to add insulation to the walls and lid of the chest. Additionally, you can create a gasket from foam or weatherstripping to help seal in the cold air. Another option is to line the inside of the chest with reflective bubble foil or aluminium foil, which will reflect heat away from the chest. Finally, you can create an external cover for the chest using reflective bubble foil or aluminium foil, providing extra protection from the sun's heat.

It is important to use the correct type of foam when insulating your vintage camper ice chest. Avoid using expanding foam designed for filling gaps, as this will not provide adequate insulation. Instead, opt for a closed-cell polyurethane insulating foam. Also, be aware that adding extra insulation may decrease the performance of your ice chest if not done properly.

Insulating a vintage camper ice chest can help your ice last longer, reducing the need to buy ice during your camping trip. It can also improve the efficiency of your ice chest, allowing it to hold ice for multiple days instead of just one day. This simple and affordable modification can save you money and enhance your camping experience.

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